KARACHI: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman, Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, after thorough observations, on Monday officially announced the sighting of the Zilhaj crescent, confirming the arrival of Eidul Adha on June 29, Thursday.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, along with zonal and district committees in various cities of Pakistan, convened to witness the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Zilhaj.
The moon sighting process involved the participation of meteorological experts and members from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in addition to the central and zonal Ruet-e-Hilal committees.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee convenes on the 29th of each Islamic month to make an official declaration regarding the sighting of the moon, which marks the beginning of the new month.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had also predicted the birth of the new moon on June 18 at 9:37 pm local time, with the sighting expected on June 19. Earlier, the International Astronomical Centre (IAC) had suggested that the first day of Zilhaj in Pakistan would fall on Tuesday, June 20.
Significance of Eidul Adha for Muslims
Eidul Adha holds significant religious importance as the occasion signifies the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, which is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for Muslims who can afford to undertake it.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Zilhaj moon on Sunday, indicating the beginning of the Islamic month of Zilhaj from Monday, June 19, and setting the stage for the celebration of Eidul Adha on Wednesday, June 28.
With the sighting of the Zilhaj moon, Muslims in Pakistan eagerly await the upcoming festivities of Eidul Adha, which will involve communal prayers, the sacrifice of animals, and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate, symbolizing charity and devotion to Allah.
